Dynamics of Women's Autonomy in Household Decision-Making in Ghana

This study examines dynamics of women's autonomy in household decision-making in Ghana. Using 57 in-depth interviews with married women and men, purposively selected in Accra (Greater Accra region) and Tamale (Northern region) reveal that culture and religion shape power structures and gender roles in household decision-making. Important in the socialisation process are religious institutions that reinforce the status quo in household decision-making. While men insist on maintaining the status quo in household decision-making, women do not contest it. Despite men's authority in household decision-making, women are active players in the household decision-making process. When decisions are not in their favour, they employ tactics such as 'taking decisions without their partners' consent', involving 'significant others', and 'nagging' to get decisions to turn in their favour. However, there appears to be socially acceptable punishments for women making household decisions without their partners consent.